HT Correspondent
JORHAT, Oct 14: Researchers at the Assam Agricultural University (AAU) have developed two high-yielding varieties of lai xaak and one variety of pepper.
An official of the university stated that scientists from the Department of Horticulture, through long-term research, developed two varieties of lai xaak named ‘Kajoli’ and ‘Laika’, and a variety of pepper called ‘Prabalee’ for the first time. Farmers have been facing problems for a long time due to the lack of high-yielding varieties of these vegetables, which have had a significant impact on the Assamese diet since ancient times and remain popular even today.
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Therefore, researchers at Assam Agricultural University developed these high-yielding indigenous varieties of lai xaak through five years of continuous research, the official stated. Laika is a high-yielding (400-450 quintal/ha) variety of lai xaak with large, thick, light green leaves, a thick petiole, and a long vegetative stage (85-90 days). The Kajoli lai xaak is also a high-yielding (400-450 quintal/ha) variety, with large, thick, dark purple leaves, a thick petiole, and a long vegetative stage (85-90 days). Prabalee is a high-yielding variety of chilli with a unique flavour, high pungency, and moderate resistance to anthracnose disease, with an average yield of 120-130 quintal/ha. Additionally, the pepper has more nutritious properties.
Farmers can benefit commercially by cultivating these varieties, as there is currently insufficient availability of lai xaak to meet demand, the official added.
